Truck drivers take their profession seriously, and rightfully so … and we should too …

The American Trucker

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that many of the general public has a rather negative image of what they perceive to be the typical long haul trucker. Long haul truckers are often unappreciated, and their job is looked down upon – for all the wrong reasons I might add – but in reality, they are the backbone of our economy, delivering goods to all of us in cities across the U.S., and making our lives easier. I can’t imagine how our lives would change for the worse if trucking came to a halt.

Truckers are usually mannerly, personable, helpful and often college educated. They are dedicated, friendly and generous individuals. They are hard-working people who miss their family and are often on the road for three weeks at a time. They are respectful, law-abiding citizens who take their job and their profession seriously. And today we find that there are increasing numbers of women in trucking. Yes, there are some unpleasant trucker personalities out there, but you find that in any career. I’ve been complaining for some time now about the lack of courtesy and caring that many store clerks exhibit to the general public.

So let’s explore the life and career of the american trucker, the long haul driver who makes such a difference in our lives. If you are someone whose opinion of truck drivers definitely could stand improvement, I think after you read this you’ll agree that yes, trucker drivers are the good guys.

The American Truck Driver Working In An Honorable Profession

The American truck driver is frequently 1,500 miles or more away from home and family, dealing with traffic, weather, and load schedules.

They often have job related health problems, suffer from lack of sleep, poor diet, stress, and are worried about violating regulations often forced upon them by their employer. They have to pass DOT, and maintaining accurate records such as their logbook, which is subject to review by various officials at almost any given time.

They are faced with road congestion, bad weather, road construction and any number of unexpected factors which can cause delivery schedule problems. And let’s not get into the many ridiculously shallow reasons a driver is fired by his employer.

And let’s not overlook road rage exhibited by the general public towards truckers and their ‘big rigs’, which seems to be more common these days.

Truckers are faced with anti-idling laws, disrespect from shippers, receivers and law enforcement. They are subject to forced dispatch, poor miles, financial worries, and sometimes a small paycheck at the end of the week.

They are subject to unsafe parking areas, lack of parking areas, crime, truck stop beggars, racism, 14 hour plus work days and more regulations and an incorrect DAC Report.

These are just some of the work related issues. Let’s add the personal sacrifices: missed first steps, missed birthdays, proms, first dates, ball games, school plays, first tooth and first words, anniversaries and holidays. This is not an easy life ….

So, let’s try to set things straight. Most of the general public, dispatchers and general trucking company employees, if forced into an 18-wheeler to live the life of a professional truck driver, would almost immediately feel like a lost puppy who can’t wait to come back home. They don’t stop to think that almost everything that is available to them is there because a truck driver made certain that it was.

Truck drivers keep America moving and provide us non-truckers with the comforts of life that we have come to expect and take for granted. The professional truck driver is the backbone of this country, maybe more than even they realize.

Truckers Are Crucial … And NeededTruckers Are The Backbone of This Country

Truckers are valuable … they are important … they are skilled … they are intelligent … they are significant … they are crucial … they are needed. And they deserve to be respected for the contributions they make to America.

Theirs is an honorable profession; they’ve gone through extensive training and hard work to get where they are. They’ve had to pass many tests; physical, written, driving and skills.

They have learned the skills of driving, navigating and maneuvering a big rig. Most of the general public wouldn’t begin to know how to drive a big rig. They have learned the regulations of the industry, which continually change, and how to maintain accurate records that will pass inspection.

They have learned what life is like on the road for long periods of time being away from their family. They have learned a valuable trade, and although others may say differently, truckers are highly skilled.

They have made a career of long haul driving, and are now included among an elite group making a living in an honorable profession. And they have made a difference; they have improved and benefited the lifestyle of most of us.